BlueSafe
Firearms SWMS

Firearms SWMS

  • • 100% Compliant with Australian WHS Acts & Regulations
  • • Fully Editable MS Word & PDF Formats Included
  • • Pre-filled Content – Ready to Deploy Immediately
  • • Customisable – Easily Add Your Logo & Site Details
  • • Includes 2 Years of Free Compliance Updates

Firearms SWMS

Product Overview

This Firearms Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step safety controls, responsibilities, and emergency procedures required to manage the risks associated with firearms use in Australian workplaces, training environments, and security operations. It is a comprehensive document that addresses multiple aspects of firearms safety management and supports strong WHS compliance for high-risk activities involving weapons.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

  • Selection and authorisation of competent, licensed personnel to handle, carry, and operate firearms
  • Secure storage, transport, and transfer of firearms and ammunition between locations and on-site
  • Safe loading, unloading, and clearing of firearms prior to, during, and after use
  • Establishment of safe firing zones, danger areas, and exclusion zones for all firearms activities
  • Management of muzzle direction, trigger discipline, and safe handling techniques at all times
  • Inspection, maintenance, and defect reporting for firearms, magazines, and associated equipment
  • Control of ammunition types, quantities, and safe storage conditions
  • Communication protocols, briefings, and supervision requirements during live-fire or training exercises
  • Management of bystanders, trainees, and unauthorised persons in the vicinity of firearms operations
  • Emergency response procedures for misfires, unintentional discharge, injuries, and near misses
  • Integration of firearms activities with site-specific emergency plans and first aid arrangements
  • Documentation, record-keeping, and incident reporting to demonstrate due diligence and compliance

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for security providers, firearms training organisations, law enforcement and defence contractors, pest controllers, rural operations, and site supervisors responsible for managing firearms-related work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Job Step / Activity Potential Hazards
1. Preparation
  • Unauthorised access to firearms, Inadequate storage of firearms
2. Handling and carrying firearms
  • Accidental discharge, Falls while carrying firearm
3. Inspection and maintenance
  • Improper handling, Malfunction due to poor maintenance
4. Loading and unloading
  • Unintentional firing, Failing to load/unload correctly
5. Firing at the range
  • Accidents with live ammunition, Hearing damage from gunfire
6. Transporting firearms
  • Vehicle accidents, Theft or loss of firearms during transport
7. Storage after use
  • Theft or unauthorised access, Improper storage conditions
8. Emergency response
  • Inadequate training, Failure to follow emergency procedures
9. Communication with security team
  • Miscommunication, Lack of clarity in emergency situations
10. Training sessions
  • Injury during training, Ineffective or improper training methods
11. Incident reporting
  • Failure to report incidents, Inaccurate or incomplete reports
12. Review of safety measures
  • Outdated protocols, Ineffective risk assessments

Need to add specific site requirements?

Don't worry if a specific job step isn't listed above. Once you purchase, simply log in to your Client Portal and add your own custom job steps at no extra cost. We take care of the hard work—creating the hazards and control measures for free—to ensure your document is compliant within minutes.

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011
  • Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
  • Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: For ammunition and propellant storage and handling where applicable
  • Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: For establishing safe firing ranges, training areas, and support facilities
  • Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: For risk management processes applied to firearms-related tasks
  • Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: For first aid arrangements relating to firearms injuries and medical emergencies
  • Relevant State and Territory Firearms Legislation and Licensing Requirements: For legal possession, use, storage, and transport of firearms and ammunition
Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)
  • Operational guidelines, with a step-by-step approach to safe work
  • Possible hazards that may be encountered
  • Step-by-step safety procedures to follow
  • Before work starts – Guidelines and Checks
  • Safety measures and guides
  • Operational Safety Checks
  • Before and After Risk Ratings
  • Risk Assessment Matrix
  • High Risk Work Involved
  • Emergency Evacuation Procedure
  • Plant and Equipment
  • Qualifications and Permits
  • Specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Company Personnel Sign-off form

$96.8

Safe Work Australia Aligned